Newsletter - Barrow Submariners Association

50th Anniversary ▪ 1963 - 2013
Barrowsanews@gmail.com
Submariners Association ▪ Barrow-in- Furness Branch Newsletter ▪ Issue 158 ▪ August 2013
The August Word
Please accept
my apologies for
the lateness of
this newsletter.
It is not Bens
fault, well not entirely. I had
gone away at the time I do my
introduction and forgot my
laptop. On my return I simply
forgot all about it.
Did you go to the Cartmel
Races No; well you missed a
great day out. I personally
had never been to the races
before so did not know what
to expect. Not being a
gambler I was a bit
concerned I would show
myself up if I had a modest
flutter. No worries on that
score. Kenny Collins and I
pooled 50p each and went on
a horse that won and we
were £4.50 each better off.
Barrow Submariner’s Association Branch Officials
HON PRESIDENT
John V. Hart
01229 821831
CHAIRMAN
Dave Barlow
01229 831196
TREASURER
Mick Mailey
01229 821290
SOCIAL TEAM
Alex Webb
01229 839551
STANDARD BEARERS
Pedlar Palmer
Ginge Cundall
WELFARE COMMITTEE
Michael Mailey
Alan Jones
VICE CHAIRMAN
Ken Collins
01229 823454
SECRETARY
Ron Hiseman
01229 828664
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Richard Britten
01229 820265
Jeff Thomas
01229 464493
WEB MASTER
Ron Hiseman
01229 828664
LAY CHAPLAIN
Alan Jones
01229 463150
Contents:
2 - The Social Secretary 3 - HMS Vigilant 4 - Branch Secretary & Indian Sub 5 - HMS Agamemnon
6 - HMS Astute & HMS Ambush Handover 7 - Obits 8 - General Info 9 - Quiz

August 2013
Quite a laugh. The whole day was well organised
by Alex Webb who should get a job as a tourist
guide. Everything just fell into place and already I
am looking forward to next year. However if it
hadn’t been for some of the Army veterans and the
RBL members we would have run at a loss.
We had the BBQ last weekend at the Crofters Pub.
Once again Alex excelled himself with his
organisation. He had a bouncy castle and other
activities for the children and an outside bar with
reduced prices for the grown ups and some of the
Artful crew did the BBQ. Lovely grub and I didn’t
hear any complaints. Even the weather held up
and so we all had a great time.
As you should all know by now, Jan Mead has
taken over as the Slops rep. If there is anything you
want or have any ideas for Jan then let him know.
I know he has some ideas up his sleeve so I am waiting
to see what he comes up with.
Although the deadline for the Annual Mixed
Reunion in Solihull is passed I will break the rules
and if anybody is still considering attending then
phone me pronto as I am finalising the details with
the hotel.
Well as Fiona is away in Russia visiting our
daughter I had better get on with the washing and
ironing. A mans work is never done!!
See you all next time.
Dave
Social Secretary
What a glorious month of sunshine.
The Prince of Wales at Foxfield was a
lovely evening in the company of our
‘first footing’ shipmates from
Morecambe. Although there were only
four of us from the Barrow branch I can
tell you the sun was shining, the beer was flowing
and dits were coming fast and furious, I thoroughly
enjoyed it. I like to give my thanks to Duds, Dave B
and Barrie D for their wonderful company &
support.
live entertainment from ‘Shindig’ and the up and
coming magician; Kristian. Also arranged is: an extensive
children’s entertainment programme,
bouncy castle, face painting and games for the
adults, raffle, and prizes galore. Timings are 2 – 9:
children games until 5, BBQ 5 – 6, Kristian 6 – 7
and finished off with 2 hours of high quality music
from “Shindig”. Cost £7:50 adult and £5:00 per
child, under 5’s free; bring your families and
friends. Tickets are on sale; I need your support to
make this the day it deserves to be.
NEW ITEM: Fri 20th Sept - Race Night at the
Legion in support of the Association and children’s
ward at Furness General. Tickets are £4 which
includes your race card, pie and peas and a £1
donation to the children’s ward. You also have the
chance of winning extra prizes on the night by
becoming a horse owner; these can be bought now
for £2 each. It will be a great night of beer, food,
laughter and the thrills of the races. Ticket must be
pre-bought for food, or you can pay on the door:
£2, which of course does not include food.
Fri 9th Nov - Ladies Night - formal black tie event
venue Chequers in Dalton, top class entertainment
and food. There will be Favours for the ladies and
all the ‘bells and whistles’ I can muster. Costing is
£37:50 per person or buy in bulk 2 for £75. Tickets
will go on sale in September. This is going to be a
great evening so join in and treat your ladies.
Sat 7th Dec – End of year annual Christmas party,
disco, 4 piece rock and roll band, food and all the
festive entertainment fun I can muster, cost
minimal to cover food.
And remember these two famous quotes: “I feel
sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake
up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to
feel all day” and “Do not take life too seriously. You
will never get out of it alive”!!!!!
Alex Webb
Social Secretary
The Cartmel trip went well; fantastic support from
33 of the nicest people I have been stuck on a bus
with for many a year. Although out of pocket on the
‘nags’, I am pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed
with the company or the fun I had. Same time next
year me thinks!!!
Diary Check:
Sat 10th Aug - BBQ at the Crofters in Holbeck
Excellent private area where you can sit in the sun
or slumber in the shade, outside bar with reduced
bar prices. Included is the normal BBQ nosebag,
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August 2013
3

August 2013
Branch Secretary
Ron Hiseman
I hope you have all been enjoying the
fine weather we have been having recently
and long may it
continue. This month’s meeting will
celebrate/commiserate the loss of the tot
back in 1970. I am too young to have drawn the tot
but still remember my dad not being a happy
bunny on the loss. He switched to whiskey after
that until I brought a bottle of Pussers home for his
Christmas present in 1984.
all of the members who came along and enjoyed the
day.
Same time next year; but with the live entertainment
being inside in the warm. Be There or Be
Square!!
Alex Webb
Indian submarine blasts
Divers struggle to search vessel
Barbeque on 10th August so if you haven’t got your
tickets yet please see Alex as soon as possible.
Submarine Flotilla golf as on the 15th at Carden
park and a good day should be had by all.
Another couple of members for the Branch so offer
our usual warm welcome if they make the meeting.
There are discussions at National level about
having a Face Book pages as Keith has had some
success in recruiting new members from the
Buddies in Boats site and a FB page may act as a
good recruiting site.
BBQ UPDATE
Indian divers are struggling to search a submarine
which sank after it exploded in a Mumbai dockyard
with 18 sailors feared dead inside.
Rescuers are yet to reach any of the crew who were
on board when two huge explosions led to a
devastating fire early on Wednesday.
Officials say they have been hampered by poor
visibility, restricted space and equipment displaced
by the blasts.
The divers are also working to bring the vessel back
to surface. India's navy chief has warned the
country to "prepare for the worst".
There were just short of 100 people at the BBQ on
Saturday, I would personally like to thank you all
for your support. For my part I am heartened and
pleased to be your social secretary and with this
sort of support then the Barrow Submariners Association
will be turning and burning for a lot
longer yet.
Thanks go to all our support staff; Terry Spurling
and the Rotary (PA), Dave & Ian: BAE (gazebos),
Eddie (our cook) and Ginge (coxn & marketing
specialist) from HMS Artful, John & Gill (landlord
& landlady) from Crofters , Tony (bouncy castle)
from Furness Leisure, Kristian the magician (you
haven't seen the last of him), Michelle (face
painter), Shindig (Billy & Brian top rate duo) and
It is not clear what caused the blasts on the diesel
and electricity-powered INS Sindhurakshak. An
inquiry is under way and sabotage has not been
ruled out, although officials say that looks unlikely
at this stage.
Officials say divers aboard the submarine are
working around the clock in difficult
conditions.The vessel is filled with sea-water and
the heat of the explosion also melted parts of the
internal hull, deforming the submarine hatches and
preventing access to compartments. Heavy duty
pumps are being used to pump out water in order
to help refloat the vessel.
As India marked Independence Day, Indian Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh expressed sorrow: "We
are deeply pained that we lost the submarine INS
Sindurakshak in an accident yesterday. Eighteen
brave sailors are feared to have lost their lives," he
said
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August 2013
The prime minister said it was all the more painful
considering the navy's recent successes in
launching a home-built submarine and acquiring a
nuclear submarine.
Correspondents say that India has steadily
developed its naval capabilities in recent years,
motivated by its rivalry with neighbouring China,
but not without setbacks.
Two huge explosions took place on board the INS
Sindhurakshak after midnight on Tuesday.
Firefighters spent four hours putting out the
ensuing blaze. Dramatic images on Indian television
showed a large fireball illuminating the sky.
Smoke from the blaze could be seen in many parts
of the city. Many sailors managed to jump to safety
after the blast and some were taken to hospital.
The Russian-built vessel had recently been
upgraded at a cost of $80m (£52m) and it may have
been armed with missiles and torpedoes.
HMS AGAMEMNON KEEL LAYING
CEREMONY
North West Evening Mail Friday 19th July 2013
The ‘Keel Laying’ Ceremony for the 6th ‘Astute’
Class Submarine HMS AGAMEMNON took
place in the BAE Shipyard in Barrow in Furness
Thursday 18th July 2013’
Not only did staff, dignitaries and excited school
children gather in Devonshire Dock Hall for the
landmark keel-laying of AGAMEMNON boat
six in the Astute Class programme but Philip
Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support
and Technology, also confirmed the Government’s
commitment to commissioning the ‘Successor’
series of Submarines.
Russian firm Zvyozdochka, which refitted the
submarine, said the vessel had been fully operational
when it was returned to India in January. On
Wednesday Indian Defence Minister AK Antony
visited the site. Describing the events as a "shocking
tragedy", he offered his condolences to relatives
of those who may have perished.
The INS Sindhurakshak is one of the 10 Kilo-class
submarines bought from Russia between 1986 and
2000. It is equipped with Russian Club-S cruise
missile systems. The submarine was sent to Russia
for the refit in 2010 after a sailor on board was
killed by a fire that broke out in the battery
compartment while the submarine was docked at
the Vishakhapatnam naval base in February that
year.
Wednesday's explosions came two days after
India's navy launched its first home-built aircraft
carrier, hailed by defence officials as a "crowning
glory". Although India can point to growing naval
ambitions, correspondents say the country's
military has encountered numerous scandals and
difficulties. On Tuesday India's federal auditor suggested
that the government might have paid too
much for 12 helicopters from Anglo-Italian company
Agusta Westland, saying procurement
procedures designed to ensure value for money
were not properly followed.
Last year, India bought a Russian Nerpa nuclear
submarine for its navy on a 10-year lease from Russia
at the cost of nearly $1bn, making it part of a
small group of nations to operate nuclear-powered
submarines.
India and Russia are long-time allies and Russia
supplies about 70% of India's military hardware.
John Hudson, left, BAE Systems’ managing
director in Barrow, introduces Philip Dunne,
Minister of Defence Equipment, Supplies and
Technology, to staff at the Devonshire Dock Hall
HARRY ATKINSON REF: 50051088B004
Photo from BBC Cumbria Website
Such a move to replace the Trident nuclear missile
vessels would ensure generations of work for
Barrow shipyard, should the go-ahead be given in
three years.
Mr Dunne’s commitment followed a review from
Danny Alexander, the Lib Dem Chief Secretary to
the Treasury, which claimed there were alternatives
to Britain’s Trident nuclear deterrent, and
prompted much political debate over the replacement
of the ‘Vanguard’ class.
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August 2013
In his speech to the crowd, Mr Dunne said: “We
should not forget to plan for the future and to the
next class of Submarines and the replacement for
Vanguard. As Defence Secretary Philip Hammond
said this week, we must not gamble with Britain’s
security.”
The keel-laying unveiled the first unit of
AGAMEMNON’s pressure hull, marking the
transition from fabrication to major construction.
After unveiling a commemorative plaque to a
soundtrack of Rule Britannia, Mr Dunne told the
Evening Mail: “Our position is very clear and when
we come to make the Main Gate decision in 2016,
this will secure the submarine enterprise here in
Barrow for decades to come and sustain the
high-skilled engineering jobs in Barrow and
surrounding areas for this and subsequent
generations.”
John Hudson, BAE managing director in Barrow,
said: “We understand that investment in strategic
defence is a massive issue for the Government and
it’s appropriate the political debate takes place.
“But being submarine builders, it’s very reassuring
to hear very strong support for the programme
from the Defence Procurement Minister.” Electrical
designer Alex Tyson, 21, of Askam, has been at
BAE for four years. He was at the ceremony, along
with his dad Neil Tyson, the boat manager of
AGAMEMNON.
Mr Tyson Jnr, who has worked on all the Astute
class submarines and has now moved onto the Successor
programme, said: “You kind of get used to it
(the submarines), but I’m on Successor now and
when you come in here it’s still overwhelming seeing
the size and capability of them.”
MoD Confirms ASTUTE and AMBUSH
‘Handover’ as ‘Keel Laid’ on Sixth Submarine
progress in the programme.” Mr Dunne added
that a new contract signed between BAE Systems
secure around 5,000 jobs at BAE Systems and thousands
more who work in over 400 suppliers across
the UK submarine supply chain.”
Today’s ceremony marked the start of the
transition from preparation and fabrication to
construction for AGAMEMNON. It also marked
the start of a new contract between the Ministry of
Defence and BAE Systems, which will help deliver
the ‘Astute’ Class and pave the way for the future
Successor nuclear deterrent submarines. The
agreement will also help secure around 5,000 jobs
at BAE Systems and thousands more who work in
over 400 suppliers across the UK submarine
supply chain.
John Hudson, managing director for BAE Systems
Maritime – Submarines, said today marked an
important milestone for the programme. “This is a
very important milestone for the programme and,
as we mark the first step in one submarine’s
construction, we also acknowledge the importance
of HMS ASTUTE and HMS AMBUSH being
handed over to the Royal Navy,” he said. “These
are highly effective submarines, engineered and
built to provide the Royal Navy with unrivalled
underwater capability. While AGAMEMNON has
some way to go before it joins HMS ASTUTE and
HMS AMBUSH it will one day form part of a
formidable class of submarines.
Mr Hudson added: “Signing this contract underlines
our commitment to SEPP and recognises our
role as the lead contractor for the design and build
of submarines for the Royal Navy. At the heart of
it is the principle to collaborate with the MoD, Rolls
Royce and Babcock in the delivery of this very complex
programme.”
From ‘The Manufacturer’ (published 18th July
2013 by James Pozzi)
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) today 18th July
announced the handover of HMS ASTUTE and
HMS AMBUSH to the Royal Navy as the keel for
the sixth ‘Astute’ Class submarine was laid. Phillip
Dunne MP, the Minister for Defence Equipment,
Support and Technology, made the announcement
at BAE Systems’ site in Barrow-in-Furness to
announce the submarines have now been officially
handed over to the Royal Navy.
Mr Dunne joined guests from BAE Systems, Royal
Navy, MoD and local community for a ceremony at
the home of UK nuclear submarine building, where
he officially laid the keel for AGAMEMNON. He
said: “The keel laying of the sixth submarine,
AGAMEMNON, and the handover of HMS
ASTUTE and HMS AMBUSH to the Royal Navy
are huge milestones reflecting significant
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August 2013
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Taunton Branch
27th June 2013
Dick Bowgen
L/Seaman GL
Aged 81
Submarine Service
Sleuth, Telemachus, Tactician,
Thorough, Thule, Springer
Sussex Branch
3rd July 2013
Geoff Wormald
LEM
Aged 81
Submarine Service
Scythian, Subtle, Solent,
Anchorite
Scotland North East
4th July 2013
John (Johanees) Thieme
Aged 93
Submarine Service
U35 of Kriegsmarine
Scotland North East
7th July 2013
James Moultrie
PO UC1
P/JX657028
Aged 82
Submarine Service
Sea Devil, Sidon, Alderney,
Totem, Anchorite, Tireless
Non Member
10th July 2013
Vic Silvester
FCERA
076734
Aged 67
Submarine Service
Odin
Portsmouth Branch
10th July 2013
Les Melvin MBE
Tel
Aged 77
Submarine Service
Trespasser, Trenchant
Nottingham Branch
13th July 2013
John Whittingham
CPO TASI
P/JX858140
Aged 81
Submarine Service
Alaric, Tiptoe, Walrus,
Rorqual & Renown
Plymouth Branch
18th July
Keith Prowse
AB(UW3)
P/J942200
Aged 74
Submarine Service
Otter
Canada
11th July 2013
Bill Hughes
Rear Admiral
Aged 86
Submarine Service
Colchester Branch
19th July 2013
John Allan (Shortly)
Featherstone
CPO Coxn
P/JX163497
Aged 90
Submarine Service
P555, Varangian, Upright,
Slueth, Tiptoe, Truncheon,
Sturdy, Sentinel, Trump,
Anchorite, Taciturn, Sea Devil
Dolphin Branch
19th July 2013
Mike Evans
Cdr (E)
Aged 77
Submarine Service
Explorer, Walrus,
Dreadnought, Revenge,
Renown
Gosport Branch
23rd July 2013
Rodney Frostic
CPO(OEL)
P/MX818108
Aged 82
Submarine Service
Truncheon, Finwhale, Otus
Amphion, Resolution, Alcide
Gatwick Branch
3rd August 2013
Alec Boyling
WO Coxn
Submarine Service
Artful, Ambush, Springer
Telemachus, Anchorite
Solent, Walrus, Auriga
Alaric, Alcide
Conqueror
Resolution
Submariner Officers Association
2nd August 2013
K S J (Ken) Dunlop, MiD
Captain (E)
Submarine Service 1942-1960
Taciturn, Ambush
Alliance
Dolphin Branch
29th July 2013
Jim Pollard
AB (UC3)
C/JX556979
Aged 88
Submarine Service
H43, Turpin & Taurus
Morecambe Branch
3rd August 2013
Gerald Edmondson
PO Chef
DMX834059
Aged 84
Submarine Service
Alcide, Alderney, Thule, Selene
Tactician, Thorough
Telemachus
Submarine Officers Association
4th August
Sir John Forster ‘Sandy’
Woodward, GBE, KCB
Admiral
Aged 81
Submarine Service 1954-1985
Sanguine, Tabard, Porpoise(IL),
Tireless (CO), Grampus(CO),
Valiant(IL), Warspite(CO)
Fosm 1983-1985
Submarine Officers Association
August 2013
Ian David George Franklin
Captain (E)
Submarine Service
Submarine Officers Association
8th August 2013
Aylmer Harvey Alexander
Commander (MESM)
Aged 80
Submarine Service
Lord these departed shipmates
with Dolphins on their chest are
part of an outfit known as the best.
Make them welcome and take
them by the hand you’ll find without
they are the best in the land.
So Heavenly father add their
names to the roll of our departed
shipmates still on patrol let them
know that we who survive will
always keep there memories
alive.
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August 2013
Indian-built Arihant
nuclear submarine
activated
India has activated the reactor
on board the INS Arihant
nuclear submarine, the first to
be designed and built in India.
The move means the submarine
can now undergo sea trials.
Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh hailed the "giant stride
in... our indigenous technological
capabilities".
Experts say is the first ballistic
missile submarine known to
have been built outside the five
recognised nuclear powers
Last year, India rejoined those
countries - the US, UK, France,
Russia and China - in being an
operator of nuclear-powered
submarines when it formally
commissioned a Russian-built
submarine into its navy.
Nuclear submarines will add a
third dimension to India's
defence capability, as it has
previously only been able to
launch ballistic missiles from the
air and from land.
Assuming its sea trials are
completed successfully, India's
new nuclear-powered submarine
could be operational within
the next two years, the BBC's
Jonathan Marcus reports.
Do You Remember
Runs in Gib
The Clachan
Part III’s
August 2013
W.McLaughlin03/08
J.Rogers 05/08
P.Andrew 05/08
A.West 09/08
M.McCormick 10/08
B.Hagen 10/08
B.Church 16/08
E.Budgen 18/08
D.Parsons 18/08
M.Speedie 20/08
D.Harwood 21/08
K.Mullen 25/08
D.Sales 29/08
www.astuteclass.com
DISCLAIMER
This Newsletter is published by
the Submariners Association
(Barrow in Furness) and is (c)
2013. The opinions expressed in
these pages are not necessarily
the opinion of the Editor,
The Submariners Association, the
MoD or the Submarine Service
unless otherwise stated. The
Submariners Association may not
agree with the opinions expressed
in this Newsletter but encourages
publication as a matter of interest.
Nothing printed may be construed
as policy or an official announcement
unless so stated. Otherwise
the Association accepts no liabilty
on any issue in this Newsletter
News Letter
Contact Information
Do you have a story to tell or
have information you feel
should appear in the news letter
then ring Ben Britten on 01229
820265 (evenings) or if you
wish to send me an article
please ring for postal address.
or send your contribution by
e-mail to:
BarrowSAnews@gmail.com
Constructive suggestions about
the news letter are very
welcome. The news letter will
be published in the last week of
each month ie last week of
August for the September 2013
issue. Please try and have any
information with me by the
15th of each month. Thank
you to everyone who
contributed to this edition.
September
Branch Meeting
in the
RBL
Tuesday 3rd at 2000
FIRST & LAST
Hms/m Seal. The first British
Submarine to be captured by
the Germans, 1940 (Became
U-4).
Hms/m Sickle. The last British
Submarine to be sank in the
Mediterranean.
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August 2013
Barrow SA Puzzle no 58
9